Disney Names James Gorman Chairman to Replace Mark Parker; CEO Successor Announcement Expected Early 2026

Oct 21, 2024, 12:40 PM

The Walt Disney Company announced that James P. Gorman, the outgoing Executive Chairman of Morgan Stanley, will succeed Mark G. Parker as Chairman of the Board, effective January 2, 2025. Gorman is set to step down from his role at Morgan Stanley on December 31, 2024. Parker is departing the Disney Board after nine years of service. In addition, Disney plans to name a successor to CEO Bob Iger in early 2026, before the conclusion of Iger’s contract in December 2026. "A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026," Gorman said. The board's succession committee continues to review internal and external candidates for the role. Internal candidates who have recently met with the board include Dana Walden, Alan Bergman, Jimmy Pitaro, and Josh D’Amaro.